Monthly Archives: February 2014

This week we were lucky to have been invited to an advance screening of “Teenage”. Director Matt Wolf’s historical documentary is an adaptation of the book by Jon Savage. Without spoiling the entire plot I can tell you this film follows the stories of four inspiring, radical, and progressive teens who live in the US, UK, and Germany during the first and second World Wars.

Watching this film was a dreamlike experience as director Wolf seamlessly weaved archival and new original footage. He begins the story at the end of the child labor era explaining how teens fought for recognition as a respectable and unified community of agents of social change.

During the Q&A after the screening an audience member asked Wolf who his target audience is, he laughed and said "Hmm well, myself. You know… people who take pleasure in delving into the obscure, and of course, our present day alternative teenagers like New York City kids".

If you fall into this category of people or are simply a lover of enlightening documentaries I highly recommend checking out this film! "Teenage" will officially open March 14th and is exclusively showing at New York's Landmark Sunshine Cinema on the Lower East Side.

Here at J Marshall Events, we often have the privilege of sharing a cup of tea with exceptionally interesting people. We were particularly dazzled by 17 year old Hannah Godefa who has dedicated much of her childhood to raising awareness and funds for several noble causes. We first met Hannah when she delivered a beautifully written speech at the International Day of the Girl Child. Our second encounter was when she moderated a discussion between UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake and global pop superstar Katy Perry, at Perry’s induction as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Ethiopian-born Godefa was deeply inspired by a journey to Africa to visit family and soon after founded the Pencil Mountain Project. This organization is a resource mobilization project that delivers supplies to Ethiopian children. The first shipment to Ethiopian students included 25,000 pencils and since then nearly half a million school supplies, including wheelchairs for handicapped children have been distributed. Hannah continues to travel the world speaking out about the need for equal access to education for all children and was appointed UNICEF National Ambassador to Ethiopia in January of 2013.

Recently, Hannah Godefa and Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg co-authored and submitted to CNN World an article titled Teach a girl, enrich the world. These two voices while powerful on their own are quite a force to be reckoned with when combined. One of the most memorable assertions from this article is “…you can teach a man to fish to feed himself for a lifetime. But if you invest in a girl, she feeds herself, educates future children, lifts up her community and propels her nation forward – charting a path that offers dignity for all in the process.” Without a doubt Hannah will continue to be an important voice in the movement to provide equal education to women and young girls worldwide, and we can’t wait to see what she will do next!

For my last day off in London I decided to spend the day in town with a friend. Nothing too strenuous, just mooching around, visiting some vintage stores, having an afternoon glass of champagne and finishing with dinner at Bill’s. Since it was a lovely day, I thought I’d pop by Mr. Holmes flat and get the obligatory photo in front of 221B Baker Street, before starting the shopping and champagne. Sherlock wasn’t home, but I met a very nice bobby!

The next stop was Alfies – a labyrinth of everything vintage from furniture to clothing. There were so many floors and nooks and crannies, that it was easy to get lost.

Alfies was followed by Spex in the City - highly recommended by our friend Lydia. I spent a lot of time in the shop trying on frames and talking to Gillian Caplan about charity work – she donates glasses for Kids in Kenya.

I found a cool pair of specs designed by Gillian, and she put lenses in for me while I waited. After all this excitement it was time for an invigorating glass of champagne before moving on to the next place.

My final stop was Blackout 2, where I bought a necklace, but surprisingly, resisted yet another handbag! David and Fumi were lovely and very helpful. The store was laid out nicely and everything was easy to find. I’ll definitely be going back!

Inspired by all my fabulous findings, I visited Can’t Buy me Love and Cha Cha Cha in Muswell Hill the next day – by now my suitcase was packed to capacity!